October 19, 2023
Executive Director’s Message
|
At this time, there is nothing new to report on our case against the assault weapons ban in the Seventh Circuit. We are still waiting for a verdict. Our other cases are still moving forward.
Illinois State Police to Hold 3 Public Hearings on
“Assault Weapons” Ban
On Tuesday, the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules on a 5-5 party line vote, failed to stop the implementation of the Illinois State Police Emergency Rules to implement Gov. Pritzker’s unconstitutional, so-called, “Assault Weapons” ban registration scheme. These rules were unveiled on 9/15/23.
JCAR did pass a motion that the Illinois State Police is to hold 3 public hearings around Illinois allowing for questions and clarifications on the implementation of these rules, citing the confusion and lack of clearly defined terms in the emergency rules. These additional hearings were the result of ISRA objections that were sent to JCAR on behalf of our members and firearms owners throughout Illinois. We will keep you updated on when and where these hearings will take place as they are scheduled.
This is exactly why you and your friends need to join the Illinois State Rifle Association. We need you to continue to fight actions like this now and in the future.
If you are not an ISRA member, please join today!
*****
Supreme Court Again Reinstates Biden Admin’s ‘Ghost Guns’ Regulation
Hours before its stay was to expire, the Court extended its block of a Texas judge’s finding that the rule was illegal. The U.S. Supreme Court has again reinstated on an emergency basis the Biden administration’s rule regulating so-called ghost guns that can be assembled at home. The ruling is not the final word on the issue. The case continues in the lower courts. It could also return to the Supreme Court in the future.
The Illinois legislature Veto session schedule. Our state legislature returns for veto session October 24. That is in 5 days. Petition filing begins in 39 days. The March primary is in 152 days and the November general election is in 383 days. Tick tock
*****
. *** The Guardian, a publication of the anti-gun Joyce Foundation reports that 77% of young people believe that gun ownership makes them safer in their homes. While this is good news, it also shows how many people are out there who could use firearm training.
*** Missouri sheriff drops concealed carry fees. It currently costs $100 to apply for a carry license in Bates County, Missouri, but Sheriff Anderson announced that he’s suspending those fees in light of the “instability in the world”, for any county residents through the end of 2023.
On January 1st of 2017, Missouri became the 11th state to pass Constitutional Carry to allow residents to carry a concealed firearm without advanced training, background checks or a permit. Sheriff Anderson says he has always been very Pro-Second Amendment and feels that you have a God Given Right and obligation to protect yourself and your family. Second Amendment supporters and licensing authorities across the country should take notice by applauding and replicating Sheriff Anderson’s actions.
*** Ex-boyfriend is shot by ex-girlfriend’s new beau. A Louisiana man is facing serious charges after using a sledgehammer to break through the door of his ex-girlfriend’s home. Once inside the residence, Rayborn gained possession of a gun and started shooting at the occupants. Her home was occupied at the time by herself, her three-year-old son, and her current boyfriend. The current boyfriend retaliated with shots using his own gun, striking Rayborn. Rayborn was taken to a hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. Thankfully, the woman, her child and the boyfriend were unscathed.
Rayborn is facing several charges, including attempted first-degree murder, home invasion, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. The boyfriend responded to the deadly threat posed by an armed intruder who was shooting at him, his girlfriend, and her child. His decision to exercise his Second Amendment rights saved three lives. He is not facing any charges.
*** Congratulations to Smith and Wesson for leaving Massachusetts. Smith & Wesson celebrated the opening of its new headquarters in Maryville, Tennessee, on Saturday with a grand opening celebration featuring live concerts, shooting demonstrations, and a silent auction benefiting local charities. The event marked the company’s move from Massachusetts, where it had been located since 1856, nearly 170 years. The company sold 2500 tickets to the sold-out event.
The company announced in September 2021 that it would be moving its headquarters, distribution, assembly and plastic molding operations from Springfield, Massachusetts to Maryville, Tennessee. Tennessee Governor Bill Lee attributed the move to the state’s pro-Second Amendment and business stance. In the deal, the company is required to create 620 new jobs in the area at an average wage of $25.97 per hour.
Smith and Wesson’s move follows a trend of gun companies fleeing to 2A-friendly states. At least 20 firearms businesses have fled politically liberal states for more pro-gun states in the last decade.
*** Civilian Marksmanship Program acquires surplus firearms and ammunition. M1 Garands and M1911s are available now. This is great news for all our gun collectors out there. As of October 2023, they have approximately 5,000 M1 Garands from the government of Turkey, 10,000 surplus M1911s from the Army, and a significant quantity of surplus ammunition from the Army that will soon become available to CMP customers, consisting of .30 carbine, .22 pistol, M2 ball, and .22 Long Rifle.
Visit the CMP website at: https://thecmp.org/cmp_sales/ for inquiries and purchasing. The CMP store at last report is down for maintenance but should be back online any day now. They have also set aside ammo for 2024, so be sure to check back again, after January 1st, 2024. These models and rounds have been in short supply. Make a point to get them while you can!
Tidbits |
*** October 19, 1781 – George Washington and the Colonial Army along with French Allies defeat the British at Yorktown, Virginia. The French fleet blocked the British retreat by sea, ending British hopes of escape. The British band played the tune “The World Turned Upside Down”. I’d have liked to have been a fly on the wall when word reached the British parliament.
*** October 20, 1803 – The United States ratifies the Louisianna Purchase which doubled the size of the United States. Napoleon’s purpose in selling this parcel of land, was to cut-off British colonization in the western United States. Napoleon wanted to make the United States a powerful competitor to the British Empire, and he did.
*** October 20, 1944 – General MacArthur returns to the Philippines completing his promise that he would return after he was forced to flee in 1942. My father was with him.
*** October 22, 1797 – The first parachute jump is made over Paris, France from a hydrogen balloon. Andre-Jacques Garnerin would be followed by thousands of people crazy enough to jump out of a perfectly good aircraft.
*** October 22, 1934 – The G-men shoot and kill Charles “Pretty Boy” Floyd. The gun fight took place in a cornfield in East Liverpool, Ohio.
*** October 23, 1983 – A suicide bomber driving a truck loaded with explosives blows up the barracks in Beirut, Lebanon, killing 240 U.S. personnel. My cousin, Kurt Shafer, was stationed there and had left the cafeteria early, or he would have also been killed. As it was, he received severe injuries, which took over a year to recover.
*** October 23, 1861– The Western Union Telegraph Company completes a trans-continental telegraph line, from Washington, DC to San Fransico. The “talking wire”, as the Indians called it, would help defeat the South in the Civil War.
*** October 24, 1945 – The United Nations is born.
*** October 25, 1944 – During the battle of Leyte Gulf the Japanese deployed kamikaze (divine wind) attacks on United States ships. Also, more than 1321 Japanese aircraft that were crash-dived into American ships, killing over 3000 United States sailors.
At the Range
Click here to view the entire calendar. All classes and events are open to the public & all range members, unless otherwise noted.
The Illinois State Rifle Association is the home of marksmanship in Illinois.
***
Don’t forget Sighting-in-Day is this weekend!
October 21 – Annual Sighting-In Day, 10am to 3pm – Range 2, 3, 5, 6 Although designed for deer and other big game hunters, anyone can bring their rifles, handguns, shotguns, bows, or black powder firearms. Don’t forget to check your ammo supplies and the condition of your arrows and bolts, if you are an archery hunter.
Open to the Public ~ Don’t be Caught Short ~ Be Prepared! FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL THE OFFICE AT 815-635-3198. On Saturday morning, the day of the event, please call the Range office at 815-939-1909.
Our Range is located near Kankakee, IL (1589 N. 7000 West Rd., Bonfield, IL). For details of what you should bring, and more information, including directions to the Range, visit isra.org. Contact: member@isra.org for more info. So come on out!!!
At our November 25th meeting, we will have a legislative overview given by the ISRA legislative team with a special presentation from State Senator Patrick Joyce. Senator Joyce is a good friend of our chapter, and a huge supporter of our Second Amendment rights. He has stood with us in opposing all anti 2nd Amendment legislation during his time in the Illinois Senate.
So, ladies: Enjoy Thanksgiving, Black Friday and come enjoy a few hours of lady-time with us at the range on Saturday morning. AWA monthly-meeting 9:00 Clubhouse-10:00 Range
Our chapter meets at the ISRA Range, the last Saturday of every month from 9am – 12pm for meeting and range practice. Open to members and the public. Instructors: Beth Bertrand & Mandi Ehler. The Kankakee County chapter email address is AWA.kankakeecoutyil@gmail.com.
WHO WE ARE – OUR MISSION STATEMENT
Armed Women of America is a non-profit organization with chapters across the country where women gather regularly to learn and grow in their abilities to handle firearms safely, responsibly, and competently. AWA exists to enable women to be their own self-protectors, creating freedom, peace of mind, and confidence in themselves. Our vision is that women have the skills, mindset, and training to defend themselves and those in their care.
We’re a group of women that enjoy safe shooting, our time together and supporting the second amendment. For dates & times check our Range calendar at: https://isra.org/event/awa-monthly-meeting-clubhouse-900-1000-range-10-1000-1200-9/
*****
FOCUS ON – ISRA ACADEMY
ISRA Academy: NRA Refuse to Be a Victim
December 2 at 8am – 12pm
Instructs participants how to protect themselves from becoming victims of crime and includes topics of home security, workplace security, and personal safety. Open to the public. Limit 20 students. No walk-ins allowed. Cost: $25 (ISRA members); $50 (nonmembers). Instructor: Mandi Ehler. Contact: ISRA Office at 815.635.3198 or Email: member@isra.org.
10-19 – No Classes or events
10-20 – No Classes or events
10-21 – Annual Sighting-In Day – Range 2, 3, 5, 6 – 10:00-3:00
10-22 – Marksmanship League – Range 11, 8:30-12:00; Clubhouse, 11:00-2:00
10-22 – Guardian Tactics Level 1 & 2 – Range 10 – 8:30-5:30
10-22 – 2 Gun Drills Rifle/Pistol – Range 4 – 8:30-5:30
10-23 – No Classes or events
10-24 – No Classes or events
10-25 – Paper Steel League – Range 11 – 5:00-Dusk
The ISRA Range offers great classes and leagues, for shooting enthusiasts!
Interested in joining a league?
Just show up 15 – 30 minutes early.
Range memberships are available.
A day at the ISRA Range is always a great day!
Thank you for being a member!
If you are not an ISRA member, join today!
Donate: https://isra.org/support-us/
Visit: www.isra.org
Upcoming Meetings: https://isra.org/isra-activities-and-events/
Upcoming Range Events: https://isra.org/the-range/#range-calendar
Upcoming Gun Shows
While the gun show information shown in this email is believed to be accurate – sometimes changes occur. This list is provided for informational purposes only.
October 20 – 21 Callaway County Gunshow, Fulton Event Ctr, Fulton, MO
October 20 – 22 The Big Louis County Gun Show, STL Athletic Ctr, Fenton, MO
October 22 McHenry County Gun Show, McHenry County Fairgrounds, Woodstock
October 28 – 29 Sauk Trail Gun Show, Bureau County Fairgrounds, Princeton
November 4 – 5 Decatur Gun & Knife Show, Decatur Conference Center, Decatur
November 4 – 5 ECA Hunting & Trade Shows, Belle-Clair Fairgrounds, Belleville
November 4 – 5 Kankakee Gun & Sportsman’s Show, Kankakee County Fairgrounds, Kankakee
November 12 Kane County Sportsman’s Show, Kane County Fairgrounds, St. Charles
November 19 McHenry County Gun Show, McHenry County Fairgrounds, Woodstock
November 25 – 26 Central IL Gun Collectors Association, Sangamon Co. Fairgrounds, New Berlin
November 25 – 26 Sauk Trail Gun Show, Bureau County Fairgrounds, Princeton
November 26 Lake County Gun & Sportsman Show, Antioch VFW, Antioch
December 2 – 3 Will County Gun Show, Will County Fairgrounds, Peotone
December 2 – 3 Chillicothe Sportsmen’s Club Gun & Knife Show, Chillicothe Sportsmen’s Club
December 9 – 10 Bloomington Gun & Knife Show, Interstate Center, Bloomington
December 9 – 10 Peoria Gun & Knife Show, Exposition Gardens, Peoria
December 10 Kane County Sportsman’s Show, Kane County Fairgrounds, St. Charles
December 16 – 17 Kankakee Gun & Sportsman’s Show, Kankakee County Fairgrounds
December 16 – 17 ECA Hunting & Trade Shows, Illinois State Fairgrounds, Springfield
December 17 McHenry County Gun Show, McHenry County Fairgrounds, Woodstock